Never Let Go.

‘Kieran’s POV’

July flew by in a flash, 31 days went faster than I could have ever envisioned. And before we knew it it was August, August fourth to be exact. This is it, my final 24 hours as Kieran Makayla O’Reilly. By tomorrow at 5 pm I will officially be Mrs. Jamie Benn. All the planning, the stress, the meetings, it has all come down to this. Tomorrow I get to marry the man of my dreams, but first we have a little rehearsing to do.

When Jamie and I visited the Milestone we decided to use the outdoor grassy area for the wedding, and inside the gorgeous mansion for the reception. But as we roamed the grounds we got to see the barn, and I fell in love with it. With a little begging and a case of the puppy dog eyes Jamie caved and agreed to have our rehearsal dinner in the barn. He was skeptical but I promised him once it was decorated it wouldn’t even look like a barn. And I was right.

Our wedding planners had turned the old, rustic looking white barn into a chic venue. Lights strung from the ceiling and gorgeous blush peonies and roses filled mason jars on the tables. Everything was perfect, other than the heat. Texas was not cooperating and it was easily 95 degrees plus humidity. My red hair was not having it and my Irish family members were practically melting.

Huddled up next to a fan with my bridesmaids we waited for Sarah the planner to start the rehearsal. “Jesus, how do you people deal with this?!” my cousin Niamh pleaded her Irish accent think as she fanned herself with an itinerary. The rest of us Texan’s laughed at her, “It’s a Southern thing,” my friend Hannah responded, “But it’s like living in Hell for 5 months out of the year.” We all agreed and Sarah clapped her hands getting our attention.

“Alright ladies! We’re going to start the procession. Family members have been seated and Kate you’re up first, then Niamh, Hannah, Sammy, Jess, Lauren, and our beautiful Bride!” My girls cheered and they all lined up holding their bouquets for practice. When the music began (Endlessly by The Cab acoustic version) my stomach filled with butterflies, this wasn’t the real deal but it meant that soon enough we would be saying I Do.

When Lauren had made her way to the middle of the aisle I turned to look at my dad who was now at my side, “You ready Kiery?” I smiled and looped my arm with his, “Let’s take a walk daddy.” He kissed my forehead and Sarah gave us the go ahead to begin the walk down. When I turned the corner I saw Jamie standing at the other end, hands stuffed in the pockets of his grey shorts, sleeves rolled up on the peach flannel I forced him to wear. His smile increased the closer I got, when I stood a few feet away he took his hands out of his pockets. With a kiss on the cheek my dad gave me away to Jamie, our fingers intertwined as we listened to the Priest’s instructions.

‘Jamie’s POV’

I could hear my heartbeat in my ears, when Kieran turned the corner and started coming towards me everything stopped. It all hit me that this was real, and tomorrow she would be my wife. When Jack hugged me and gave me Kieran’s hand I felt a little better, her hands were just as sweaty as mine either from the hellacious heat or from nerves. Maybe both.

I’m a little lost in the instructions and Kieran’s eyes when she tugs on my ring finger, “Babe,” her voice soft and airy like a giggle. “Oh, yeah sorry” The Priest smiles, “Now for the fun part. Do you Jamie Randolph Benn take Kieran Makayla O’Reilly to be your lawfully wedded wife? In sickness and in health, for better and for worse, for the good times and for the bad?” This question’s a no brainer, I’ve wanted this girl to be mine every day for the past four years, “I do.” Kieran is asked the same questions, she laughs a little stumbling over her words but we make it through. The Priest skips over the kiss the bride part which is a bummer but soon enough the rehearsal is over and we can all relax.

Kieran keeps her fingers laced with mine as we walk towards the barn, her wild hair bouncing as she attempts to climb up a grassy hill in her wedges. Halfway up I realize she’s not going to make it and that I’ve been pulling her most of the way up. “C’mon I’ll carry you,” I tell her and she just stands there. “My dress is too short for a piggy back ride Jame,” I laugh and shake my head swooping her up bridal style, “You underestimate my strength baby.” Laughing she throws her arms around my neck as I climb the rest of the hill.

When we reach the barn I let her down slowly putting her wedges back on the ground, she straightens out the short lacy dress and run a hand through her mess of curls. “Thank you,” she pecks my lips and I can feel her smiling. “Anytime, fiancé.” As everyone enters the barn they’re given a schedule for tomorrows big day, dinner is served as music plays through the barn. Both Kieran’s family including the 6 that made the trip from Ireland mingle with my family and friends from Canada. It won’t happen often that they all get to meet so they’re taking advantage. There’s not much downtime other than when we sat down to eat for Kieran and I we’ve been in countless pictures passed out bridal party gifts and talked to every single group that is scattered amongst the barn. I’m tired by 9 pm when the party winds down and the older adults are all heading out.

The groomsmen and bridesmaids have all gathered at a table so Kier and I make our way over to join them. Tyler and Lauren stand up as we arrive, “Alright you two this is it!” Lauren cheers and the gang all claps and cheers. Tyler claps a hand on my shoulder, “Let’s get outta here bro, we’ve got lots of beer to drink!” Kieran shoots him a glare and points a finger at him, “Tyler Paul Seguin, if you get him hammered I’ll kill you. I’d like a fully functional groom please!” Tyler holds up his hands in defense as the rest of the groomsmen laugh, “Just kidding Kier, we’ll get him to bed before 1 and he’ll be waiting for you at 4:30 no problem.” She smiles at us both, “You better, and do NOT wreck my house” she directs that one at all of the guys as we got the house and the girls are going to a hotel.

We all promise to be good and head outside to our cars, Lauren ushers Kieran into the passenger seat of her Lexus, “This is it,” I say and Kieran smiles nodding at me as the rest of the girls pile into the SUV. I close her door and she rolls the window down, her head hanging outside “I love you, I’ll see you tomorrow.” I lean down to the window noticing phones in our faces, “See you tomorrow, I’ll be the one in white.” she whispers her face close enough to mine I can feel the heat of her breath.

Our last kiss before two become one is documented on all of their phones, awws coming in all directions and honks coming from Jason’s truck. One last peck, and the bridesmaids shoo me away as Kieran is yelling “I love you Jamie!” out the closing window. Less than 24 hours until she’s all mine.

Notes

It's happening guys!! The wedding will be broken down into 2/3 chapters BTW so get ready Mr&Mrs Benn are coming for ya ;) xoxo -Ally

ps. who would have thought we'd end up here?!

The Cab - Endlessly Acoustic

Practice